On Saturday, October 11, Dogs Inc, a nonprofit organization that transforms lives across the United States—at no cost to the recipients—thanks to the generosity of our supporters, is opening its gates to the public for Discovery Day, an event highlighting the inspiring journeys of extraordinary dogs.

Discovery Day offers visitors an up-close look at the dedication, love, support and talent that go into raising and training world-class working dogs. Attendees will have the chance to meet the smallest pups of Dogs Inc as they explore life in Puppy Academy, and take a deep dive into Canine University, where they can learn about the higher education and career paths of these highly skilled dogs.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy exciting guide dog and service dog demonstrations, talk to volunteers about the rewarding experience of raising a puppy for 3, 6, or 12 months, and learn more about Dogs Inc’s life-changing mission. Visitors will also get to see the “Olympic athletes of the working dog world” in action at the Aquatic Center, showcasing the dogs’ strength and enthusiasm during splash-filled fitness sessions.

Interactive, multisensory presentations—such as Beyond the Dark and Heartbeats of Hope—offer immersive experiences for all ages. Guests can also stop by the on-campus gift shop for dog-themed merchandise and grab a bite to eat from a variety of food trucks.

John Cotter attended Discover Day in March. He said, “My favorite part was Puppy Academy, where I saw all the little puppies and how adorable they are. Today motivated me to consider raising a puppy and helping Dogs Inc when I can.”

“Beyond the Dark was beautiful and impactful,” adds attendee Kristen Kendall. “It was phenomenal to see all that Dogs Inc does, from training dogs to meeting the needs of so many people.”

The event registration fee is $10, with 100% of the proceeds going directly toward supporting Dogs Inc’s mission to raise and train extraordinary dogs who transform lives—at no cost to the recipients.

Discovery Day takes place on Dogs Inc’s Palmetto campus at 4210 77th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221, and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will proceed rain or shine and is family-friendly, welcoming guests of all ages. While personal pets are not permitted on campus, guide dogs and service dogs are welcome, though they may not enter buildings that house puppies or dogs-in-training.

To register or learn more, visit DogsInc.org/DiscoveryDay. 

Pictured: Watch the Olympic athletes of the working dog world splash into fitness during Discovery Day on October 11. Provided photo.

The Florida Center for Early Childhood has been selected to participate in Margin & Mission Ignition, a capacity-building initiative of The Patterson Foundation. As one of four regional organizations selected for the 30-month Margin & Mission Ignition process, The Florida Center will work with No Margin, No Mission, a social enterprise and national consulting firm engaged by The Patterson Foundation. No Margin, No Mission will work with each nonprofit to develop and implement business plans to generate revenue and support their efforts in the community. 

This year marks two extraordinary milestones for the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation: what would have been the 100th birthday of its founder, Virginia B. Toulmin, and the awarding of the Foundation’s 100 millionth dollar in giving. Founded in 2010 with a $140 million bequest, the Foundation has become a driving force in philanthropy across the United States and internationally. Locally, it has invested millions in organizations such as the Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota Ballet, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, Girls Inc. and Children First. For more information about the Foundation and to learn more about Virginia B. Goes to the Symphony, visit www.toulminfoundation.org. 

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County is hosting the third annual Ringling Bridge Run, a community tradition across the iconic Ringling Bridge. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or bringing the whole family for a morning of fun, there’s something for everyone. Participants can choose from the 5K, 10K, or family fun run — all in support of helping local students graduate with a plan for life after high school. Lexus of Sarasota returns as the presenting sponsor, with support from gold sponsor Gilbane Construction, and many more. Proceeds will benefit the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, a nonprofit that supports public school teachers and students with programs designed to help students get ready and go further. The Ringling Bridge Run is an opportunity for the community to unite and support Sarasota County’s teachers and students while enjoying one of the area’s most scenic views. Early registration began Saturday, Sept. 27, coinciding with National Family Health and Fitness Day, and offering discounts for students and teachers. For more information, visit edfoundationsrq.org or register at shorturl.at/nOeJJ. 

Two women with resumes reflecting a lifelong commitment to women’s equality have joined forces to launch a new podcast called “A Woman’s Place,” which offers an in-depth analysis on topics such as the gender wage gap, political representation, reproductive rights, and more. Ashley Brown, president and CEO of the Women’s Resource Center, and E. Scott Osborne, president of Through Women’s Eyes, collaborated on the initiative in order to elevate the discussion on the rapid changes in the economic, cultural, and political landscape that are affecting women today.  

To learn more click here

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation is partnering with Sarasota Orchestra on a special collaboration to celebrate the power of music, philanthropy and community. At the upcoming Free Family Concert on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the first 250 families to enter will receive a complimentary copy of Virginia B. Goes to the Symphony by Kevin Pease, an inspiring children’s story set in the 1930's about faith, family, music, and finding your own rhythm. In addition to this gift, the Toulmin Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to Sarasota Orchestra, further advancing the legacy of Virginia B. Toulmin, a visionary philanthropist who championed women in the arts and gave generously to the Orchestra during her lifetime. Today, the Foundation continues her mission of opening doors for young people through the arts, education and philanthropy. Visit www.toulminfoundation.org for more information. 

On October 16, LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit Project Pride SRQ will present a community-wide event / fundraiser, titled "Change is Gonna Come." During the event, PPSRQ Executive Director Tom Edwards will introduce Tim McCarthy - who will author the organization's strategic plan - and interview him about his experience being on the front lines of negotiations with the federal government (with billions in grants on the line) over DEI programs, admissions policies and allegations of inadequately addressing anti-Semitism on campus, as well as a performance by the Harvest Band and light refreshments. Cost is $35/general admission, free/students. Advance registration is required; visit ppsrq.org/lgbtq-events-sarasota to reserve your spot.
 

Children First proudly announces a $600,000 matching gift challenge led by its Changemaker Collective, with every dollar raised matched to strengthen children and families in Sarasota County. The Changemaker Collective brings together leaders who go above and beyond in serving our community and investing in the tools children and families need to achieve their full potential. With this initiative, every contribution has double the impact, with an overall goal of raising $1.2MM. Funds raised through this initiative will provide scholarships, ensuring both immediate access to early childhood education programs and long-term educational success through Children First’s Future Scholars Fund, a 529 College Savings Plan Initiative. This support extends beyond education, encompassing essential mental health services for children and their families, including postpartum and perinatal care for mothers. To make a gift in support of the Changemaker Collective, please visit childrenfirst.net/donate. 

Sarasota Orchestra has received $30,000 in grant funding from The Exchange in support of the 2025-2026 Young Person’s Concerts (YPC). This includes a Program Grant of $25,000, as well as $5,000 from the Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education Grant. Sarasota Orchestra’s YPC are experienced by nearly 9,000 students annually and have been presented since 1953. This live orchestra concert experience for fourth and fifth grade students combines a year-long curriculum in schools with a field trip to see the professional Sarasota Orchestra in concert. To learn more about Sarasota Orchestra’s 2025-2026 season and programs, visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org. 

On Saturday, October 25, Nathan Benderson Park will become a sea of pink as our community rallies to end breast cancer. Whether you’re a survivor, thriver, supporter, or friend, this is your moment to be a part of something bigger – the 2025 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk! Making Strides isn’t just any walk—it’s the nation’s largest breast cancer movement! Every step fuels lifesaving research, patient support like rides and lodging, and the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 helpline. Together, Sarasota and Manatee have already raised hundreds of thousands locally to fight breast cancer—and this year, we’ll go even further. Lace up, bring your brightest pink, and join us! Hope starts here, and every stride brings us closer to a world without breast cancer. 

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The Association of Fundraising Professionals Southwest Florida Chapter will hold its 41st Annual National Philanthropy Day event on November 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Michael’s On East, 1212 East Avenue South in Sarasota. The keynote speaker is Laura Fredricks, JD, author, coach, and fundraising expert known for making the toughest and biggest asks. Honoree submissions for National Philanthropy Day are due October 13. For more information, to submit an honoree, and to register for this event ($80 general admission; sponsorships begin at $125), contact Kim Noyes at kim.afpswfl@gmail.com or (941) 228-9144. National Philanthropy Day honorees include volunteers, individuals, couples, corporations, or foundations. A 90-word paragraph along with a high-resolution image of the honoree should be submitted by October 13 to kim.afpswfl@gmail.com.   

September 25, 2025) Access to high-quality early learning is hard to come by in Sarasota County. Only 53% of children are enrolled in a preschool program. Forty Carrots Family Center, a NAEYC accredited preschool, has renewed its longstanding commitment to increase access for families through preschool scholarships. Support early childhood education by donating to the Forty Carrots Preschool Scholarship Fund where every contribution is matched dollar for dollar by the Flanzer Trust, https://donate.flanzertrust.org/donations/forty-carrots-family-center/ 

To donate click here.